PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Salary: $42,347.00 - $47,863.00 Annually
Location : Cameron County, PA
Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number: N-2026-56474
Department: Department of Transportation
Division: TR Cameron Co
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 91360
Position Number: 00265021
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: J1
Pay Group: ST02
Bureau / Division Code: 0080240
Bureau / Division: TR Cameron County
Worksite Address: 21013 CCC Memorial Highway
City: Emporium, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 15834
Contact Name: Leah Burke
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


THE POSITION
Join the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) as a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee and begin a hands-on path towards a rewarding career in transportation! This role gives you the chance to learn essential skills while working with experienced crews on road and bridge projects. Within this role, you will gain confidence as you train on heavy equipment and take part in safety-focused maintenance duties. Apply today to start a career where your professional growth, teamwork, and dedication help support safer travel across the Commonwealth!

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DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This is a six-month trainee position which supports highway and bridge maintenance operations by training on equipment, learning proper safety procedures, and assisting with daily work tasks. The role builds the skills needed for future licensing and certification while helping crews maintain safe travel conditions. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Train to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other machinery while completing pre-operation checks
• Tool Operation: Use hand and power tools for maintenance tasks such as cutting, digging, patching, and trimming
• Safety Practices: Follow safety rules, make observations, and report hazards or injuries promptly
• Worksite Awareness: Maintain awareness of surroundings to help prevent risks for yourself and your coworkers
• Environmental Compliance: Carry out environmental protection requirements during maintenance activities

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Work hours are subject to change based upon seasonal requirements and operational needs.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $42,347.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent.
• All employees must possess an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit on the first day of work.
• All positions require employees to possess an active Medical Examiner's Certificate in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations by the first day of work.

Additional Requirements:

• This position is subject to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with Federal Regulations.
• You must successfully pass a practical exam in the operation of equipment with a manual transmission.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
• A conditional offer of employment will require a drug screening and medical examination.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.


Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*


Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

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*Eligibility rules apply.
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Special Requirement - Do you possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

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If you answered yes to the above question, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If no, please type N/A in the text box below.
Required Question